10 Best: Croatian Resort Spotlight on Mali Losinj

November 5, 2012

Osorscica Mountain, Losinj

By far the easiest way to reach Mali Losinj is by the catamaran that runs in high season only from Pula in Istria. We, however, joined the droves of visitors who arrive from Slovenia, Austria, and Germany in particular via the long, mountainous drive through Cres, a remote island with few inhabitants, where the dramatic scenery was tempered with nerve-racking drops on both sides of the narrow, one-lane road.

Photo courtesy of Tourist Board of Losinj

Beach life, Mali Losinj

Like so many other Croatian island resorts, Mali Losinj has everything for the perfect family vacation: Its cafes and bars lined up along the harbor promenade or 'Riva' as it's called in Croatian, and a selection of secluded, sandy and pebbly beaches set within shady pine forests and with clear, shallow water. These beaches are popular with local families as well as guests from the nearby hotels.

Photo courtesy of Jane Graham

The Roman channel at Osor

Losinj and Cres are actually one island separated by a narrow channel built in Roman times to create a sailing route. Losinj and Cres are connected by bridge at the ancient Roman town of Osor.

Photo courtesy of Tourist Board of Losinj

Mali Losinj, waterfront

Mali Losinj's pretty, brightly-colored buildings cluster around its u-shaped harbor. On summer evenings, the 'Riva' becomes a busy promenade as people wander up and down both sides of the waterfront, and the outdoor tables of the many cafes, bars, ice cream parlors, pizzerias, and restaurants fill with customers.

Photo courtesy of Jane Graham

Simple pleasures at Cikat beach

Cikat Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mali Losinj, and found at the end of a 20-minute walk through shady pine forests. The sandy beach is especially popular with families with small children, as it's safe and the water is shallow. Beach cafes and other amenties can be found close by, but in true Croatian style, the amusements offered at Cikat beach are of a simple kind.

Photo courtesy of Jane Graham

Griffon Vulture, Cres

Remote Cres may only have a few thousand human residents, but it's the only European habitat for the griffon vulture, which can sometimes be seen flying over the northern part of the island. Generally found only in Himalaya, the Cres colony of griffon vultures are the only ones to make their nests next to the sea. An eco center to protect the vulture colony has been created near the mountaintop village of Beli.

After touring most of Europe in her twenties, Jane was charmed by Copenhagen's relaxed tempo and moved there from her native northern England in 1999. Four young children at home has meant there's no shortage of taste testers for her traditional Danish cuisine – or excuses for missing out on the country's vast array of family-friendly activities. Armed with diapers, stroller and snowsuits, Jane continues to find art and culture wherever she goes.